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As we returned from our meeting in Jakarta we had a clearer picture on the scope of our collaborative efforts and the performance self-assessment tool we were developing and testing. We had identified four dimensions: strategic direction, governance, knowledge management and product quality control, and we went back to our countries with homework to do.
My homework was to read more on knowledge management, develop a definition for this dimension and identify indicators to measure it inside an organization. Since last year, Grupo FARO started to think more seriously about knowledge management, and delegated the knowledge management functions to my area (I am currently Research and Knowledge Management Director). So, working on the knowledge management dimension was a great opportunity to increase my understanding of the topic, and learn about activities, policies and tools that contribute to a better knowledge management.
After this initial homework, we switched dimensions among team mates to review and comment the indicators and definition for other dimensions. Then we finalized the survey and guidelines for the interviews and desk research, tested the survey, and started implementing these tools.
In the meantime, Grupo FARO and Quito were selected as hosts for the 3rd meeting of the Exchange (a process that was interesting, as Renata from Brazil and I applied to host the meeting and received votes from our fellow Exchange participants). Although this was exciting news, because I was thrilled of having my Exchange friends visit and enjoy my hometown, it also meant that I had voluntarily signed up for additional work.
These last months of the project were the most complicated for me because they coincided with a very busy time for the organization and my work (our organization is celebrating its 10th anniversary in April). However, although I fell behind in a couple of deadlines my team mates were very understanding of the situation as we all face the difficulty of balancing “regular” work with PSATT work, so we ended up being flexible and adjusting deadlines while also keeping progress.